Singapore Grand Prix organisers have cancelled the race for a second consecutive season as a result of the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic.
The race was scheduled to take place from 1-3 October 2021 as the second of a triple-header featuring Russia and Japan either side.
Organisers explained that the decision to cancel was taken in light of ‘ongoing safety and logistic concerns’ on top of various restrictions brought about by the pandemic, whilst iterating that this choice was an ‘incredibly difficult decision’ to make.
Deputy Chairman of Singapore GP, Colin Syn, went on to describe hosting ‘a complex multi-faceted event’ for not just locals but international fans travelling to the race as ‘increasingly difficult’ without managing the safeguarding of fans, volunteers and various staff across circuit, F1 and travelling media.
Syn went on to thank the people of Singapore and stakeholders for their support and cannot wait to eventually welcome F1 back to Marina Bay when safe to do so.
Singapore Tourism Board Director, Ong Ling Lee praised the decision to cancel this year’s race as a sign that the GP organisers ‘prioritises the health and safety of all participants, fans and the public.’
This year was set to be the final Singapore Grand Prix ran under the current contract and organisers have confirmed that they will hold ‘discussions along with Singapore Tourism Board, Government and F1 to discuss a new contract for 2022 and beyond.
Ticket holders who deferred their tickets from 2020 to 2021 meanwhile will be fully refunded with organisers set to make direct contact in due course to discuss the details.
Further Questions Surround 2021 Season Run-in
With the Singapore GP now officially off, questions now remain about the fate of the last seven races of this season as the Japanese, Australian and Abu Dhabi Grands Prix are in doubt due to travel restrictions, whilst Mexico and Brazil continue to experience several high number of Coronavirus cases.
Should all five bite the dust then that could potentially leave USA and Saudi Arabia on the calendar on 22-24 and 3-5 December, yet USA isn’t entirely safe despite falling cases but F1 is considering a double-header at Circuit of the Americas.
Alternative options include returns of Turkish and Chinese Grands Prix as F1 organisers now face the tricky task of preparing the race calendar for autumn, whilst continuing to track an ever-evolving situation.
Leave a Reply